Page 16 of Be With Me
Chapter 7
Debbie had opted to take some recharge time today. She’d caught up on her assignments and wasn’t scheduled for her next practical until next week. It was an easy one too; patient care was something that she had no qualms about at all. Pharmacology? Yeah, that wasn’t the easiest but she could handle it. Stacy was in labs all day so it was quiet in the apartment. Cuddling under her favorite blanket— yeah, sue her, she still had a blankie in her twenties — with holiday movies sounded like a good idea. And if she fell asleep? No harm, no foul.
Actually, a nap might be the best plan. Debbie shifted and snuggled into the couch, wrapped in her blanket. The TV wasn’t too loud. TCM’s listing on the guide hadWhite Christmasfollowed byThe Bishop’s Wifewith Cary Grant, thank you very much. Debbie drifted in and out of awareness; half listening as Danny Kaye talked about choreography. Almost asleep when her phone rang, she was tempted to ignore it. Her luck if she did, it would be her instructor yelling because she wasn’t at the hospital.
“Hello?” she answered as she pulled the blanket back up.
“Hey sweetheart. I expected to get your voicemail.” Rafe’s voice came over the phone.
“Aren’t you supposed to be working right now?” Debbie snuggled back into her pillow. If Rafe was on the line, then she could get comfortable.
“I am but I have a favor to ask and was taking the coward’s way out calling when you’re supposed to be at the hospital. Or did I misread the schedule you sent me?”
“No, you read the schedule correctly. It apparently changed and I wasn’t in the loop. Heidi needed to switch for a makeup clinical. So what’s up?” Debbie still couldn’t believe what June had said about Heidi and Debbie herself.
“Any chance you’d like to go to the battalion ball with me on the eighth?” Rafe’s words ran together, like he was nervous.
Debbie pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it before putting it back to her head. “Want to run that by me again a little slower? We weren’t going to get together until after my last clinical for the semester.”
“Yeah, I know but Top dropped this on me today and I’d rather not be the single out if I can help it.”
“Top? Wait, I remember this. Your first sergeant?” Debbie wasn’t completely sure on that rank but thought she had it.
“First Sergeant Downey, to be exact. He had lunch with one of the other first sergeants and came back toassign… and I use that word lightly… me the task of coordinating the battalion ball attendance for the company. But you didn’t hear that. So would you be my date for the ball on the eighth? It’s a formal. Have a stunning gown you’d like to show off?” Rafe really was nervous. How cute!
“I’d be honored. I’ll see about shuffling around my schedule and drive up. As for a gown? Any colors I should avoid?” Okay, wow. Debbie wasn’t sure of all that would happen at a ball but she could fake it. She could handle this. “So our first official couple event?”
“First of many, if I have anything to say about it,” Rafe pointed out. “Um colors to avoid? Orange?” He sounded so unsure of that answer, Debbie just had to laugh.
“You’re a lunatic. You know that, right?” Debbie looked at the coffee table for something to write with.
“Ah but am I your lunatic?” he asked.
“I do think you are mine.” Spying a pencil and paper. “Details now, what time do I have to be where?”
§ § §
The battalion ball was being held at the Embassy Suites and Mooney had gone all out and booked one of their suites with a two queens and a pull-out couch. He’d be a gentleman and give her the bedroom while he used the pull-out. Of course, he wasn’t going to lie to himself that he hoped that it wasn’t necessary. If Debbie was willing? Oh yeah, he’d be in the bed with her in a heartbeat.
Right now, he paced the living area waiting for Debbie. She’d taken over the bedroom when they got there. He’d grabbed his garment bag and after a quick shower, left her to do her thing. His blue pants were immaculately pressed with the gold stripe down the side. Shoes shining, white shirt dazzling, bow tie and cummerbund in place, suspenders in kelly green streaking down his chest. All he needed to do was slip on his mess jacket and he was done. He’d already double-checked his medals.
As he reached the windows, he paused and looked out over the parking lot. Not the best view ever but he’d seen worse.
“Ahem.”
Mooney turned as he heard Debbie clearing her throat. Holy shit! Now this had to be the best view he’d ever seen in his life. Debbie stood there in an emerald green long dress that looked soft to the touch.Please let me find that out tonight. It had no sleeves and was straight across her chest. He couldn’t see if there was a back but from what he could see there wasn’t a lot to it. The skirt was full and glided down to the floor. Her hair was a mass of curls that seemed effortless, but he knew that she’d put some work into her entire look for the evening. He was sure there were fancier words to describe the ensemble but the one word that came to his mind came out of his mouth.
“Stunning.” He was trying to articulate himself but…yeah. “Debbie you look… amazing, gorgeous, way too beautiful to be with me.”
Debbie walked over to him and slid her hands up his chest. Bracing herself on his shoulders, she leaned over and kissed him softly. Must have some heels on to be able to do that. As he reached to pull her closer, she stepped back shaking her head.
“Uh-huh. I want to see the whole picture. There’s got to be more to your uniform?”
Mooney chuckled and reached for his jacket from the back of the chair at the table. Wiggling his shoulders, he buttoned the chain and turned around to Debbie with his arms stretched out.
“Oh yeah, now that’s… hmmm, mine?” Debbie reached her hand into her skirt, and came out with her phone, holding it up and instructing him to smile. Mooney couldn’t help but smile.
“Pockets?” he joked.
“Completely. Best decision designers ever figured out. I’m sure you’ve got at least three pockets?” When he nodded, she continued, “Either I carry a purse or have pockets. What do I need to carry? Some money, my phone and a lipstick? Who wants to have to keep track of a purse for that?”
Her indignant tone had him laughing. “I’ve never really put much thought into it. Are you ready to go?” He held out his arm to the woman who held his heart.
